NBC Sports Chairman Asks NHL to Ban Playoff Beards

Mark Lazarus, chairman of NBC Sports, wants to ban playoff beards. NBC and NBCSN broadcast the NHL playoffs and Lazarus thinks fans watching on TV would prefer to see hockey players that look like the kid next door. Lazarus said:

The players won't like this, but I wish they all would stop growing beards in the postseason. Let's get their faces out there. Let's talk about how young and attractive they are. What model citizens they are. (Hockey players) truly are one of a kind among professional athletes. I know it's a tradition and superstition, but I think (the beards do) hurt recognition. They have a great opportunity with more endorsements. Or simply more recognition with fans saying, 'That guy looks like the kid next door,' which many of these guys do. I think that would be a nice thing.

Lazarus tried to push his belief on the NHL that the clean-shaven look is more attractive. The NHL and the NHLPA have ignored his requests. Lazarus said: